Countertop hydroponic herbs for beginners: what to buy and what to ignore
Countertop hydroponic systems can work very well for herbs, but only if you treat them as small growing systems rather than decorative appliances.
Topic hub
Hydroponics
A science-based hydroponics hub for herbs and leafy greens, covering beginner systems, nutrient basics, troubleshooting, and steady indoor growth.
Hydroponic nutrient basics: EC, pH, dilution, and reservoir stability
Most hydroponic problems are not mysterious. They come from concentration drift, pH drift, heat, or neglected maintenance. This guide covers the basics clearly.
How long does hydroponic lettuce take? A 45–55 day timeline
Plan roughly 45 to 55 days from seed for a home hydroponic lettuce crop, then use roots, leaf count, head size, and variety to decide each transition.
Hydroponics is often presented as either a futuristic shortcut or a high-maintenance hobby. In reality, it is neither. For small-space growers, it is a practical way to grow herbs and leafy greens when outdoor conditions are unreliable, space is limited, or year-round consistency matters more than large crop diversity.
Why hydroponics suits compact spaces
Hydroponics works well indoors because it compresses several variables into a controllable system. Water, nutrients, and root access can be kept stable without needing a garden bed or outdoor soil. That makes it especially useful for apartments, kitchens, utility shelves, and compact grow racks.
The tradeoff is that stability matters more. Small reservoirs drift faster than outdoor beds. Lighting becomes non-negotiable. Maintenance intervals matter because the system has less buffering capacity than a large soil container.
The beginner advantage: smaller systems
Beginners often assume more plants means better value. Hydroponics usually rewards the opposite approach. A smaller herb-focused system is easier to light, easier to clean, and easier to read. Problems are easier to diagnose because there are fewer moving parts.
That is why this hub starts with simple countertop or shelf-based systems, then moves toward nutrients, troubleshooting, and more specific hardware decisions. The idea is to build competence in sequence.
What really controls hydroponic performance
Four things drive most results:
- light quality and coverage
- nutrient concentration and pH stability
- root-zone temperature and cleanliness
- crop density relative to the system size
When one of these drifts, growers often blame the nutrient brand or look for a miracle additive. That is usually the wrong move. Hydroponics responds best to measured corrections, not panic corrections.
How to use this hub
If you are new to hydroponics, start with the beginner guides and then move immediately into nutrient basics. If you already have a system running but growth is disappointing, go to the troubleshooting section before buying more gear. If you are planning an indoor rack or expanding beyond a countertop kit, use the setup and advanced sections to align lighting and system scale.
Done well, hydroponics becomes calm and repeatable. The point of this hub is to make that path obvious.
Guide pathways
Explore the topic by stage and intent
These grouped sections keep the hub useful for beginners, active growers, and readers solving a specific problem.
Topic pathway
Beginner guides
Start with manageable herb and leafy-green systems before trying to optimize every variable.
Countertop hydroponic herbs for beginners: what to buy and what to ignore
Countertop hydroponic systems can work very well for herbs, but only if you treat them as small growing systems rather than decorative appliances.
Hydroponic nutrient basics: EC, pH, dilution, and reservoir stability
Most hydroponic problems are not mysterious. They come from concentration drift, pH drift, heat, or neglected maintenance. This guide covers the basics clearly.
How to germinate lettuce seeds for hydroponics
You cannot start hydroponic seeds in potting soil. The dirt will wash off into your reservoir, clogging your pump and causing a massive bacterial bloom. Here is the sterile, foolproof method to start seeds for water-based growing.
When to transplant hydroponic lettuce and how far apart to space it
Moving your fragile seedling from the nursery tray to the main hydroponic system is a high-risk maneuver. If you move it a day too early, it will drown. If you plant the heads too close together, they will choke each other out. Here are the exact metrics for a perfect transplant.
How long does hydroponic lettuce take? A 45–55 day timeline
Plan roughly 45 to 55 days from seed for a home hydroponic lettuce crop, then use roots, leaf count, head size, and variety to decide each transition.
Topic pathway
Systems and nutrients
Choose a system and learn to mix and target the nutrient solution for any crop.
NFT vs DWC vs Kratky: which should a beginner pick?
Three systems dominate small-space hydroponics: Kratky, DWC, and NFT. This comparison shows how they differ and which one a beginner should actually start with.
The Kratky method: passive hydroponics for beginners
The Kratky method is the simplest way into hydroponics: a container of nutrient solution, a net pot, and no pump or power. Here is how it works and its limits.
What is DWC? Deep water culture for small spaces
DWC suspends roots in aerated nutrient solution for fast growth. It is one of the best active systems for a small space, as long as you manage oxygen and heat.
How to mix hydroponic nutrients: a beginner guide
Mixing hydroponic nutrients is simple once you know the order: water first, nutrients separately, measure EC, then adjust pH last. Here is the step-by-step.
Hydroponic EC chart by crop (not just lettuce)
One reference chart for the EC and pH targets of common hydroponic crops, from leafy greens and herbs to fruiting plants, plus how to use the numbers safely.
Topic pathway
Crops beyond lettuce
Crop-specific EC, pH, light, and setup guides once you are past the lettuce basics.
Hydroponic basil: EC 1.0-1.6, pH 5.5-6.5, 14-16 h of light
Basil is one of the fastest, most rewarding hydroponic crops once the water chemistry and light are right. Here are the exact EC, pH, and light targets to hit.
Hydroponic herbs: which grow best and how
Most soft, leafy herbs thrive in hydroponics, while woody Mediterranean herbs are trickier. Here is a ranked guide to which herbs grow best and how to set them up.
Hydroponic kale: EC 1.25-1.5 and pH 5.5-6.5 for beginners
Kale is tough, forgiving, and fast in hydroponics, which makes it a great beginner crop after lettuce. Here are the EC, pH, light, and harvesting basics.
Hydroponic spinach: EC, pH, and temperature guide
Spinach is a cool-season hydroponic crop that bolts in heat. Get the EC, pH, and especially the temperature right and it stays leafy and productive.
Hydroponic strawberries indoors: is it worth it?
Indoor hydroponic strawberries are rewarding but demanding: they need strong light, hand pollination, and patience. Here is an honest look at whether it is worth it.
How to harvest and store hydroponic lettuce
Hydroponic lettuce can out-keep store-bought by days if you harvest and store it right. Here is when to cut, how to take leaves repeatedly, and how to keep it crisp.
Topic pathway
Buyer guides
Gear picks for getting started and measuring your reservoir.
Best hydroponic systems for beginners
You do not need a complex rig to start hydroponics. These beginner-friendly systems, from all-in-one countertop kits to DIY Kratky jars, cover most first setups.
Best pH and EC meters for hydroponics: choose and calibrate
A useful hydroponic meter is easy to verify and maintain. Compare pH pens, EC meters and combination devices, then set up a calibration routine you will actually keep.
Best hydroponic nutrients for herbs and greens
Leafy greens and herbs do not need exotic nutrients, just a complete, balanced formula with the right micronutrients. Here is what to look for and which type to pick.
Best hydroponic nutrients for lettuce: what to use
Lettuce is a light, fast feeder. It does not need a fancy nutrient, just a complete leafy-green formula run at a low EC. Here is what to buy and how to dose it.
Topic pathway
Setup guides
These guides connect hydroponic systems to lighting, fixture choice, and indoor layout decisions.
How many hours should grow lights run for herbs? 12-16
Most herb grow lights should run about 12 to 16 hours per day, but intensity, distance, and a stable dark period matter as much as the timer itself.
Best grow lights for herbs: what actually matters before you buy
Most indoor herbs don't need a massive, expensive grow tent light. Here is how to choose the right LED bulbs, strips, or halos for your real apartment setup.
Hydroponic water temperature for lettuce: why 68°F is magic
You can have perfect pH, perfect nutrients, and a massive air pump. But if your hydroponic reservoir is sitting at 80°F, your lettuce is actively suffocating. Here is why water temperature dictates everything in hydroponics.
Topic pathway
Troubleshooting
Use these diagnosis-led guides when herbs or lettuce stop performing the way the system should allow.
Hydroponic lettuce growing slowly? Check light, roots, and EC in order
Slow hydroponic lettuce is usually a systems problem, not a mystery deficiency. The goal is to find the bottleneck without overcorrecting five variables at once.
Hydroponic lettuce tip burn: causes, fixes, and what not to change
It is the most frustrating problem in indoor hydroponics: your lettuce looks perfect until the very edges of the youngest leaves turn brown and die. This is Tip Burn, and it is almost never caused by the nutrients in your reservoir.
Hydroponic lettuce turning yellow? Here's how to fix it
A thriving hydroponic lettuce head should be a vibrant, deep green. If your entire crop is turning a sickly, pale yellow, the plants are starving. Here is a step-by-step diagnostic framework to find the exact cause and rescue the crop.
Why pH keeps rising in hydroponics (and how to stop it)
You balanced your hydroponic reservoir to a perfect 5.8 pH. Two days later, it has drifted back up to 6.8. This constant upward drift is the bane of hydroponic growers. Here is the chemistry behind why it happens and how to fix it.
How to raise and lower pH in hydroponics (safely)
Adjusting hydroponic pH is simple once you know which product does what. Here is how to raise and lower pH safely, in small steps, without chasing the meter.
Hydroponic EC rising or falling: what it means
Your EC meter is a direct line of communication with your plants. By observing how the EC changes in relation to the water level, you can instantly determine if your plants are thirsty, starving, or perfectly balanced.
Why are basil leaves turning yellow indoors?
Yellow basil rarely has a single universal cause. The pattern of yellowing, the growing medium, and the recent care routine usually tell the story.
Topic pathway
Advanced topics
Once the fundamentals are stable, use these pieces to tighten plant density, fixture choice, and crop quality.
Grow light distance for seedlings: how close is too close?
Seedlings usually need grow lights much closer than beginners expect, but the exact distance depends on fixture strength, lens design, and plant response.
How many hours should grow lights run for herbs? 12-16
Most herb grow lights should run about 12 to 16 hours per day, but intensity, distance, and a stable dark period matter as much as the timer itself.
72 articles
All hydroponics guides
This hub keeps the topic curated. If you need a plain utility list instead, use the simplified article archive.
Hydroponic plants wilting: how to find the cause
A wilted plant standing in water is not short of water. Work through the roots, the oxygen, the EC and the air in that order and the cause usually shows itself.
When to switch to bloom nutrients for hydroponic tomatoes and peppers
The switch from growth to bloom feed is really a staged rise in nitrogen and potassium, timed by flower trusses rather than by the calendar. Here is what the university programmes change, and what they leave alone.
How to dispose of hydroponic nutrient solution
Old reservoir water still carries nitrogen and phosphorus. Put it to work on soil plants, and keep it out of storm drains and waterways.
Rockwool vs clay pebbles vs coco vs foam: which hydroponic medium fits
The four media most home growers choose between behave very differently: one needs a pH soak, one drains in seconds, one carries salt, one falls apart. Here is which fits which system.
Hydroponic nutrient deficiency chart: what each symptom means
Where a symptom starts tells you which nutrient is short. Use the chart to narrow it down, then rule out pH and roots before you add anything to the reservoir.
Hydroponic watercress: cool, deep water and an EC near 1.5
Watercress is a water-loving crop that suits a still tank, if you keep it cool and refresh the solution. The Hawaii work gives numbers, and CDC gives one food-safety rule worth knowing.
Hydroponics on a balcony: what outdoor sun, heat and rain change
A balcony gives a hydroponic system free light and takes away your control of temperature and water. Here is what to do about the reservoir heat, algae, rain and wind.
Growing rosemary, thyme and oregano hydroponically
Woody Mediterranean herbs evolved for dry roots, so constant water culture is the wrong default. Here is what the research shows and which systems suit them.
Small aquaponics at home: does it work, and what do you need?
Fish waste becomes plant food through two kinds of bacteria. What that means for a home setup: the start-up wait, fish and crop choices, daily upkeep and handling raw greens safely.
Vertical hydroponic tower: what it grows well and where it fails
A tower grows many more plants per square foot of floor than a flat system, but plants at the base get less light and yield less. Light and pump head decide whether one suits you.
Can you use vinegar to lower pH in hydroponics?
Vinegar works for a day and costs you growth. Here is what a university trial measured when vinegar and lime juice were compared with pH Down, and what to do instead.
Why a pump's GPH rating falls as soon as it has to lift water
The GPH figure on a submersible pump's box is measured with no vertical lift at all. The moment that pump has to raise water, flow drops along a curve specific to that model, reaching zero at its maximum head.
AeroGarden alternatives: DIY vs. buying a countertop kit
A DIY bucket build and a commercial countertop kit run on the same chemistry. What differs is upfront cost, ongoing cost, and how much assembly you want to do yourself.
Algae in a hydroponic reservoir: why it grows and how to stop it
Algae needs light, water, and nutrients, and a hydroponic reservoir hands it all three. Block the light and the outbreak stops feeding itself.
Chlorine and chloramine in hydroponics: do you need to dechlorinate?
Tap water usually carries some chlorine or chloramine. Here is how much is actually in it, why the two disinfectants behave differently, and when dechlorinating is worth the extra step.
Dissolved oxygen in small hydroponic systems
Roots breathe oxygen dissolved in the water around them, not the air above it. Here are the actual targets, what temperature really does to that oxygen, and how to check yours without a lab meter.
Ebb and flow hydroponics: flood and drain for beginners
Ebb and flow floods a grow tray on a timer, then drains it back to the reservoir. Get the cycle and the media right and the roots stay out of stagnant water.
EC to ppm converter for the 500 and 700 scales
An EC reading converts to two different ppm numbers depending on which scale a meter uses. Convert both directions here, and see why 500 and 700 disagree.
Hard water in hydroponics: how it raises your starting EC
Tap water carrying dissolved calcium and magnesium does not start at zero EC. Here is how much that shifts your baseline, and how to mix around it.
Hydroponic arugula: EC, pH, and how it differs from microgreens
Arugula has no dedicated hydroponic EC or pH figure in the extension research, and it is one of the few crops grown here as both a full hydroponic leafy green and a fast microgreen.
Hydroponic cilantro: EC, pH, light, and why it bolts so fast
Oklahoma State's hydroponic crop table skips cilantro the way it skips mint and arugula. Here is what to run instead, and why the plant's speed to flower matters more than its water chemistry.
Hydroponic cucumbers indoors: the space and trellis they actually need
Hydroponic cucumbers need a more acidic solution than most crops, and a vine that keeps climbing well past where a leafy-green tray stops. Here is the footprint an apartment setup actually takes, trellis included.
Hydroponic grow log: a free weekly tracker for EC, pH, and roots
A single EC or pH reading tells you almost nothing. The same number logged every week, compared against last week's, is what actually catches a problem before the plant shows it.
Hydroponic mint: why it needs its own reservoir
Mint's spreading roots make it one of the easiest hydroponic herbs and one of the worst reservoir-mates. Give it a system of its own and harvest it hard, and it rewards you all season.
Hydroponic nutrient mix calculator: reservoir litres to ml of A and B
There is no single ml-per-litre number for hydroponic nutrients, because every brand's concentrate is a different strength. Enter your reservoir, your target EC, and your own label's dose rate here.
Hydroponic parsley: the slow-germinating herb worth the wait
Parsley grows into a dense, productive hydroponic herb, but it makes you wait for it. Here is what to expect at the germination tray and at the reservoir.
Hydroponic peppers indoors: EC, pH, and how they differ from tomatoes
Peppers are the hydroponic fruiting crop that forgives a mixing mistake tomatoes would not. That does not make them a light or pollination shortcut.
Hydroponic pump failure: what happens and what to do
A stopped pump does not threaten every hydroponic system the same way. Here is the mechanism behind each one, and the plan to run when yours goes quiet.
Hydroponic reservoir size: how many litres you actually need
Reservoir size is a function of plant count, system type, and one sourced rule for deep water culture: more than 4 litres per plant. Here is how to size yours.
Hydroponic seedling transplant checklist
Print this before you move a single seedling: root and leaf checks, reservoir prep, and the handling steps that keep transplant shock from turning into a lost tray.
Growing hydroponic tomatoes indoors: system, EC, and light
Tomatoes are the first fruiting crop most hydroponic growers try indoors, and the jump from lettuce is bigger than it looks. Here is the system, the EC program, and what to expect.
Hydroponics vs soil: what actually differs, with the evidence behind each claim
Hydroponics and soil differ in real, documented ways, but a single head-to-head yield percentage is not one of them. Here is what university extension research actually measured.
Kratky problems: fixing water level, algae, and root issues
Most Kratky failures trace to one of four things: the water level, light reaching the reservoir, an over-submerged root zone, or a tray too small for the plant. Here is how to tell which one is yours.
NFT vs DWC: the concrete differences that decide which one fits
NFT and DWC both grow lettuce and greens well, but they get oxygen to the roots in opposite ways, and that difference decides how each one fails.
Sanitizing a hydroponic system between crops
Cleaning gets the biofilm off. Sanitizing between crops is a separate, timed step with its own dose and its own rinse rule — and the reservoir and the equipment surfaces do not get the same ending.
Tap water alkalinity: why hydroponic pH keeps drifting back up
Dosing pH down and watching the reading climb back up within a day usually means the water itself is buffered against the change. Here is what alkalinity measures, the range that keeps a reservoir stable, and how it differs from hardness.
Wick hydroponic systems: what they grow well, and what they can't
A wick hydroponic system has no pump, no air stone, and no moving parts at all; a wick just pulls nutrient solution up into the growing medium. That simplicity is also its ceiling.
Best hydroponic nutrients for lettuce: what to use
Lettuce is a light, fast feeder. It does not need a fancy nutrient, just a complete leafy-green formula run at a low EC. Here is what to buy and how to dose it.
How to raise and lower pH in hydroponics (safely)
Adjusting hydroponic pH is simple once you know which product does what. Here is how to raise and lower pH safely, in small steps, without chasing the meter.
Do you need an air pump for hydroponics?
If you search for hydroponic tutorials, you will see a maze of air pumps, plastic tubing, and bubbling airstones. But do you actually need electrical aeration to grow plants in water? Here is the science of passive vs. active hydroponic setups.
How to clean a small hydroponic system
A small hydroponic setup does not need constant chemical intervention. But between harvest cycles, a rigorous deep-clean is non-negotiable to prevent algae, mineral scaling, and deadly root rot spores from infecting your next crop. Here is the ultimate guide to system hygiene.
How much light does hydroponic lettuce need indoors?
Unlike tomatoes or peppers that require massive amounts of energy to produce fruit, lettuce is a simple leaf factory. If you blast it with high-intensity light, it will stress and die. Here are the exact scientific lighting rules for sweet, crunchy lettuce.
Why hydroponic lettuce bolts and turns bitter (and how to prevent it)
One day your hydroponic lettuce is a perfect, compact green rosette. The next, it has shot up like a pine tree, and a bite of the leaf leaves a horribly bitter taste in your mouth. Here is the science of lettuce bolting and how to stop it.
Best pH and EC meters for hydroponics: choose and calibrate
A useful hydroponic meter is easy to verify and maintain. Compare pH pens, EC meters and combination devices, then set up a calibration routine you will actually keep.
Best hydroponic nutrients for herbs and greens
Leafy greens and herbs do not need exotic nutrients, just a complete, balanced formula with the right micronutrients. Here is what to look for and which type to pick.
Best hydroponic systems for beginners
You do not need a complex rig to start hydroponics. These beginner-friendly systems, from all-in-one countertop kits to DIY Kratky jars, cover most first setups.
Brown roots in hydroponics: staining vs. root rot
Finding brown roots in your hydroponic reservoir can cause instant panic. But before you dump your nutrients, you need to know: is it a harmless stain or a fatal infection? Here is how to diagnose the difference in seconds.
What is DWC? Deep water culture for small spaces
DWC suspends roots in aerated nutrient solution for fast growth. It is one of the best active systems for a small space, as long as you manage oxygen and heat.
How to harvest and store hydroponic lettuce
Hydroponic lettuce can out-keep store-bought by days if you harvest and store it right. Here is when to cut, how to take leaves repeatedly, and how to keep it crisp.
How to mix hydroponic nutrients: a beginner guide
Mixing hydroponic nutrients is simple once you know the order: water first, nutrients separately, measure EC, then adjust pH last. Here is the step-by-step.
Hydroponic basil: EC 1.0-1.6, pH 5.5-6.5, 14-16 h of light
Basil is one of the fastest, most rewarding hydroponic crops once the water chemistry and light are right. Here are the exact EC, pH, and light targets to hit.
Hydroponic EC chart by crop (not just lettuce)
One reference chart for the EC and pH targets of common hydroponic crops, from leafy greens and herbs to fruiting plants, plus how to use the numbers safely.
Hydroponic herbs: which grow best and how
Most soft, leafy herbs thrive in hydroponics, while woody Mediterranean herbs are trickier. Here is a ranked guide to which herbs grow best and how to set them up.
Hydroponic kale: EC 1.25-1.5 and pH 5.5-6.5 for beginners
Kale is tough, forgiving, and fast in hydroponics, which makes it a great beginner crop after lettuce. Here are the EC, pH, light, and harvesting basics.
Hydroponic spinach: EC, pH, and temperature guide
Spinach is a cool-season hydroponic crop that bolts in heat. Get the EC, pH, and especially the temperature right and it stays leafy and productive.
Hydroponic strawberries indoors: is it worth it?
Indoor hydroponic strawberries are rewarding but demanding: they need strong light, hand pollination, and patience. Here is an honest look at whether it is worth it.
NFT vs DWC vs Kratky: which should a beginner pick?
Three systems dominate small-space hydroponics: Kratky, DWC, and NFT. This comparison shows how they differ and which one a beginner should actually start with.
The Kratky method: passive hydroponics for beginners
The Kratky method is the simplest way into hydroponics: a container of nutrient solution, a net pot, and no pump or power. Here is how it works and its limits.
How long does hydroponic lettuce take? A 45–55 day timeline
Plan roughly 45 to 55 days from seed for a home hydroponic lettuce crop, then use roots, leaf count, head size, and variety to decide each transition.
When to transplant hydroponic lettuce and how far apart to space it
Moving your fragile seedling from the nursery tray to the main hydroponic system is a high-risk maneuver. If you move it a day too early, it will drown. If you plant the heads too close together, they will choke each other out. Here are the exact metrics for a perfect transplant.
How to germinate lettuce seeds for hydroponics
You cannot start hydroponic seeds in potting soil. The dirt will wash off into your reservoir, clogging your pump and causing a massive bacterial bloom. Here is the sterile, foolproof method to start seeds for water-based growing.
Hydroponic water temperature for lettuce: why 68°F is magic
You can have perfect pH, perfect nutrients, and a massive air pump. But if your hydroponic reservoir is sitting at 80°F, your lettuce is actively suffocating. Here is why water temperature dictates everything in hydroponics.
Hydroponic EC rising or falling: what it means
Your EC meter is a direct line of communication with your plants. By observing how the EC changes in relation to the water level, you can instantly determine if your plants are thirsty, starving, or perfectly balanced.
Why pH keeps rising in hydroponics (and how to stop it)
You balanced your hydroponic reservoir to a perfect 5.8 pH. Two days later, it has drifted back up to 6.8. This constant upward drift is the bane of hydroponic growers. Here is the chemistry behind why it happens and how to fix it.
Hydroponic lettuce turning yellow? Here's how to fix it
A thriving hydroponic lettuce head should be a vibrant, deep green. If your entire crop is turning a sickly, pale yellow, the plants are starving. Here is a step-by-step diagnostic framework to find the exact cause and rescue the crop.
Hydroponic lettuce tip burn: causes, fixes, and what not to change
It is the most frustrating problem in indoor hydroponics: your lettuce looks perfect until the very edges of the youngest leaves turn brown and die. This is Tip Burn, and it is almost never caused by the nutrients in your reservoir.
When to change hydroponic nutrient solution: top off vs full reset
A hydroponic reservoir should not be treated like a closed loop forever. This guide shows when a simple top off is enough and when a full reset is the safer move.
Hydroponic root rot: how to spot it early and stop it
Brown, slimy or swampy-smelling roots mean root rot. Catch it early and fix the conditions behind it — warm water, low oxygen and stagnant flow.
Hydroponic lettuce EC & pH chart: 0.8-1.2 and 5.5-6.0
Lettuce is the easiest crop to grow hydroponically, but it requires specific water chemistry. Use this beginner-friendly EC and pH guide to prevent tip burn and slow growth.
Hydroponic lettuce growing slowly? Check light, roots, and EC in order
Slow hydroponic lettuce is usually a systems problem, not a mystery deficiency. The goal is to find the bottleneck without overcorrecting five variables at once.
Hydroponic nutrient basics: EC, pH, dilution, and reservoir stability
Most hydroponic problems are not mysterious. They come from concentration drift, pH drift, heat, or neglected maintenance. This guide covers the basics clearly.
Countertop hydroponic herbs for beginners: what to buy and what to ignore
Countertop hydroponic systems can work very well for herbs, but only if you treat them as small growing systems rather than decorative appliances.